Families in Trinidad and Tobago are waiting as long as two years just for an initial paediatric appointment for autism assessment, with some parents being given dates as far away as 2027.

The delays are among several challenges facing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families, according to Dr Radica Mahase, founder of Support Autism T&T—an organisation that has spent more than a decade helping parents navigate diagnosis, schooling, and therapy.

Support Autism T&T was established 11 years ago out of personal struggle, after its founder faced difficulty getting a diagnosis and school placement for her autistic nephew. What began as a family effort has since grown into an advocacy group providing support services, training, and outreach to families across the country.